Nigerian research nuclear reactor set for refuelling

Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) which is a low-power research reactor with a maximum thermal power level of 30kW is set for refuelling. It is a commercial type of the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) designed, manufactured and constructed by the China Institute of Atomic Energy. Originally fueled with 90.2% High-Enriched Uranium (HEU), the reactor is designed for use in universities, hospitals and research institutes, mainly for neutron activation analysis, production of short-lived radioisotopes, education and manpower development. The NIRR-1 reactor which is located at Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission's Centre for Energy Research and Training in Ahmadu Bello University began operation in 2004 and is used strictly for the analysis of materials and training.

In 2006, efforts were initiated to convert Chinese-designed MNSRs from HEU to Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel, enriched to less than 20% U235. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced on 23 October 2018 that the shipment of LEU fuel for the NIRR-1 has started. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is assisting with the conversion of that reactor to LEU fuel and the repatriation of its irradiated HEU fuel back to China.

The converted, more powerful NIRR-1 will be utilized for producing radioisotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment, industrial applications, and developing skills and competencies as the country pushes forward with plans to develop up to 4000MWe of nuclear capacity by 2025.